There was an air of great excitement at Kenton Synagogue on Shabbat as members arrived at Shul. Rabbi Black together with Rebbetzin Black had returned from Rabbi Black’s Sabbatical which had started on the Sunday immediately after Shabbat Bereishet. During this time members had the opportunity to welcome several visiting Rabbonim. Rabbi Alan Garber who had led the AJEX Service, Rabbi Burman, Rabbi Rodal and Rabbi Simon.
Another celebration was the fact that Shabbat Bo had been designated Grandchildren’s Shabbat. This was a wonderful opportunity for the Community to come together for an intergenerational event. This strengthens Jewish identity and engagement by connecting generations. It was an ideal time for grandparents to show off their grandchildren to members of the Community. Also, some of the boys took an active participation in the Shacharit and Musaf Service.
Rafael Shelley, grandson of Roy and Maris Block leined. Roy Block had organised the participants. Alex Brickman, son of Ros and Andrew Brickman, grandson of Rhona Brickman davened Musaf and Levi Tuchband, grandson of Danny and Jan Tuchband did Anim Zemirot.
During the course of the morning Jodie Vaughan, Field Worker for Tribe, granddaughter of Joy Shackman led the Children’s Service together with Jessica Pordes, daughter of Nicola and Steven Pordes. Steven Pordes also contributed to the Children’s Service as well. In total there were thirty-six grandchildren present and well over one hundred and twenty adults.
At the conclusion of the Service Rabbi Black called all children to the Bimah and gave them a Bracha. Everyone then was then invited to a magnificent Kiddush generously donated by Jacquie and Ron Harris in celebration of the recent Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Jacob Harris and in honour of Kenton’s grandchildren. The Ladies Guild had organised a terrific reception and Rebbetzin Black had contributed to this by making special cupcakes and mini pizzas. All who attended were thrilled to be there and a number of members on leaving wished that it could be soon repeated.
26 January 2026